Kerala fishermen on a mission to save whale sharks along state coastline | Deccan Herald
Fishermen in Kerala are actively rescuing whale sharks, with 23 saved over the last five years. The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Kerala Forest Department ran a campaign to raise awareness and offer financial aid for damaged nets. The fishermen are now playing a key role in reporting and rescuing the protected species.
As in India, tigers in Nepal may seek refuge in sugarcane fields | Mongabay
A fatal tiger attack near a sugarcane field in Nepal has sparked concerns about tigers using these farms as a refuge, mirroring the "sugarcane tigers" phenomenon seen in India. Experts believe sugarcane fields provide cover similar to tall grasslands in protected areas, potentially attracting tigers. Still, more research is required to assess their presence in Nepal, where sugarcane farming has expanded significantly in recent decades.
2 new spider species found by Zoological Survey of India | Deccan Herald
The Zoological Survey of India has discovered two new spider species, Mimetus spinatus and Mimetus parvulus, in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. This brings the total number of Mimetus species in India to three and highlights the need for furthering conservation efforts in the region. The discovery is significant, coming 118 years after the last Mimetus species was found in India.
Vulture Count 2024: WWF-India launches tracking initiative to take stock of nature's 'sanitation workers' | Down to Earth
World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India) has launched Vulture Count 2024, a tracking initiative from September 7 to October 6, to monitor vulture populations and raise awareness about their ecological importance. Coinciding with International Vulture Awareness Day, the initiative aims to gather crucial data to guide conservation efforts for vulture species. The volunteers will be trained through a virtual orientation session and can participate at different locations across India.
The climate drivers behind southwest India's intensifying heat waves | Mongabay
A new study shows that heat waves in southwest India are caused by major climate patterns like El Niño, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). These heat waves disrupt ecosystems, reduce the ability of plants to absorb carbon, and affect marine life. As global warming continues, these heat waves are expected to become more frequent and intense, making it easier for scientists to predict and prepare for them in the future.
Small Cats, Big Impact: India’s Innovative Conservation Initiative | Indian Masterminds
India’s Small Cat Conservation Project, led by the Ministry of Environment, aims to protect lesser-known wildcat species like the fishing cat, caracal, and clouded leopard. The initiative focuses on addressing threats such as habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict while involving local communities in conservation efforts. Key landscapes include Dudhwa, Rajasthan, and Pakke, where site-specific strategies are being developed to ensure the long-term survival of these species.